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Friday January 10, 2025

January 10, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Pierre Poilievre faces a pivotal moment as he must transition from populist rhetoric to substantive policy discussions to address the challenges posed by Justin Trudeau's resignation and Donald Trump's presidency.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 10, 2025

Pierre Poilievre’s Path in Canadian Politics

As Justin Trudeau exits Canadian politics, the nation faces a critical period marked by leadership transition, economic uncertainty, diplomatic challenges, and a governance void exacerbated by prorogation, necessitating decisive action to protect national interests.

January 8, 2025

As Canada stands on the brink of a significant political transition, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, finds himself at a pivotal moment. The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the ensuing Liberal leadership race, and the impending return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency have created a complex landscape that demands nuanced navigation. Poilievre’s approach, characterized by populist rhetoric and a focus on critiquing Liberal policies, must evolve to address the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead.

February 13, 2017

Poilievre’s political strategy has largely revolved around painting a picture of a “broken” Canada under Trudeau’s leadership. His catchy slogans, such as “Axe the Tax,” resonate with voters frustrated by economic and environmental policies they perceive as burdensome. However, as the political dynamics shift with Trudeau’s departure, Poilievre’s reliance on populist rhetoric may prove insufficient. The challenge now is to pivot from slogans to substantive policy discussions that address the real concerns of Canadians.

Opinion: Poilievre’s dissing of Canada plays into Trump’s hands

Pierre Poilievre is meticulously preparing his populist platform as a diplomatic performance, positioning himself as Canada’s ideal emissary to align with Trump’s second reign while competing with Trudeau’s own courtly overtures.

December 5, 2024

The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office presents a unique challenge for Canada-U.S. relations. Trump’s provocative statements about Canada becoming the 51st state, though implausible, underscore the power imbalance between the two nations. Poilievre’s shared populist tendencies with Trump may not translate into better relations. As Debra Thompson points out, Trump’s focus is not on ideology but on loyalty, rendering him largely unmanageable by either Canadian leader.

Trudeau’s resignation has opened the door for a new Liberal leader—potentially Chrystia Freeland or Mark Carney—who could appeal to centrist voters and challenge Poilievre’s populist appeal. As Konrad Yakabuski highlights, Poilievre’s strategy, centered on attacking Trudeau, must now adapt to confront a potentially revitalized Liberal Party. This shift presents an opportunity for Poilievre to engage in a battle of ideas rather than relying solely on criticism and slogans.

Canada's fragmented political leadership, from a weak federal government to self-serving provincial premiers, leaves the nation vulnerable amid escalating crises such as Trump’s erratic return to power and his punitive tariff threats.

December 3, 2024

In this era of political and economic uncertainty, the key challenge for any Canadian leader is to protect the nation’s interests without succumbing to external pressures. Poilievre’s task is to navigate a political culture that values stability, compromise, and sovereignty. As Canada faces potential volatility from American policies, Poilievre must prioritize safeguarding Canada’s hard-won independence and focus on domestic strengths.

Opinion: Poilievre will need a new playbook as the Liberals pull their quarterback

Donald Trump’s obsession with tariffs, if implemented in a second term, would severely damage the Canadian economy, risking job losses, trade uncertainty, and further straining relations with Canada’s largest trading partner.

October 17, 2024

Public opinion on Poilievre is divided. Some view him as a necessary change from the Trudeau era, while others criticize his populist tactics and lack of substantive policy proposals. Concerns about his qualifications and experience echo in reader comments, alongside skepticism about his ability to lead Canada through complex international relations.

Pierre Poilievre stands at a critical juncture in Canadian politics. As the nation prepares for an election that could redefine its leadership, Poilievre’s ability to adapt his strategy and engage in meaningful policy debates will be crucial. The path forward requires balancing populist appeal with pragmatic solutions that address the diverse needs of Canadians. In navigating these challenges, Poilievre has the opportunity to redefine his leadership and shape Canada’s future in a rapidly changing world.


It’s hard to ignore the impact Pierre Poilievre’s slogan “Axe the Tax” has had on his rise in the polls. For months now, this mantra has resonated with Canadians feeling the squeeze from rising interest rates, inflation, and grocery prices. It’s a powerful message that taps into the frustrations of many, convincing them that the government’s carbon pricing scheme is the root cause of their struggles. However, the real question is: what comes next?

Poilievre has yet to outline any concrete plans once he “axes the tax.” His stance on climate change is particularly concerning; he seems to downplay the crisis and lacks a comprehensive climate policy. In a recent press conference, he dismissed potential leadership rivals as “just another Justin Trudeau,” but when it comes to climate issues, he resembles Stephen Harper more than he might care to admit.

With the political landscape shifting—especially with Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Donald Trump’s looming presidency—Poilievre finds himself at a crucial juncture. He must evolve his approach beyond populist rhetoric and engage in meaningful policy discussions. With new Liberal figures like Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney ready to appeal to centrist voters, the challenge for Poilievre will be to protect Canadian interests while navigating external pressures, particularly from the U.S.

As we watch this unfold, it’s essential for all of us to stay informed and engaged. The future of Canadian politics may hinge on how leaders like Poilievre adapt to these complex challenges.

Enjoy the January 10, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada, Uncategorized Tagged: 2025-01, affordability, boxing, carbon tax, conflict, Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Kamala Harris, leadership, Pierre Poilievre, policy, populism, punching, rhetoric, sovereignty, Substack, U.S. relations

Saturday February 10, 2024

February 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

In 2024, American voters face a tough decision between President Biden's reported memory issues and Donald Trump's past authoritarian tendencies, raising concerns about the future of democracy.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 10, 2024

A Nation at a Crossroads: An Unsettling Choice in 2024

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, the debate over the fitness of President Biden and former President Trump centres on age-related concerns, but the focus should extend to the broader issues of moral, ethical, and criminal fitness for office.

January 27, 2024

The 2024 presidential race in the United States presents a disconcerting dilemma for American voters, one that transcends traditional party lines and delves into the realms of authoritarianism and cognitive concerns. The recent CBC article, ‘Diminished faculties,’ ‘faulty memory,’ ‘significant limitations’: A damning report on Biden’s mental state, sheds light on the cognitive challenges faced by President Joe Biden. This report, coupled with the persistent spectre of Donald Trump’s authoritarian leanings, paints a grim picture for the American electorate.

The special counsel report, released amid the backdrop of Biden’s reelection campaign, details instances where the 81-year-old president struggled to recall crucial details, raising legitimate concerns about his mental acuity. The report’s findings, though legally exonerating Biden, have the potential to ravage his political standing, especially in the face of growing voter skepticism about his age and ability.

Analysis: Three-quarters of Republicans back Trump being ‘dictator for a day’ 

April 26, 2023

However, the complexity of the situation deepens when juxtaposed with the alternative – Donald Trump. The report draws comparisons with Trump’s actions in a similar case, highlighting clear distinctions in their approaches. While Biden cooperated with investigators, Trump allegedly did the opposite, facing allegations of lying, destroying evidence, and obstructing justice. The political discourse becomes entangled in a web of double-standards and partisan accusations, leaving voters to navigate a precarious landscape.

The irony lies in the fact that Trump, despite facing 91 criminal charges, enjoys substantial support within the Republican party. The recent survey for NBC News indicates that doubts about the mental and physical health of both candidates exist, with concerns about Biden outweighing those about Trump. It becomes a troubling realization that voters are caught between a candidate grappling with cognitive red flags and another with a penchant for authoritarian rhetoric.

News: ‘Diminished faculties,’ ‘faulty memory,’ ‘significant limitations’: A damning report on Biden’s mental state  

November 17, 2022

The narrative takes a surreal turn when Trump himself entertains the notion of being a “dictator for a day.” Despite its initial formulation as a jest, the UMass Amherst poll reveals that a significant portion of Republicans views this idea positively. The acceptance of authoritarian tendencies, even if framed within a fixed time period, underscores a deeper societal divide and raises questions about the values underpinning the democratic fabric of the nation.

As the political pendulum swings, Americans are faced with an unsettling choice – one that demands introspection and careful consideration of the long-term implications for the nation. The juxtaposition of cognitive concerns and authoritarian inclinations creates a dichotomy that challenges the very essence of democratic ideals. In this critical juncture, voters must grapple not only with the candidates’ personal attributes but also with the broader implications for the future of American democracy. The 2024 election, more than ever, serves as a litmus test for the resilience of the nation’s democratic foundations. (AI)

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2024-03, aging, authoritarianism, boxing, dictator, Donald Trump, election, Germany, Joe Biden, memory, USA

Wednesday December 9, 2020

December 16, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday December 9, 2020

Fauci Calls Coronavirus Vaccine a Game Changer, Decries Misinformation

Anthony Fauci said a vaccine could diminish coronavirus as successfully as the polio vaccine did for polio, enabling workers to return to offices and restaurants in the second half of 2021.

December 1, 2020

But hurdles exist, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert said. They include people’s hesitancy to get vaccinated, a successful and swift vaccination program, and getting through a rise in Covid-19 cases that is now being fueled in part by misinformation about the virus, Dr. Fauci said at The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit on Tuesday.

“There are a substantial proportion of people who do think this is not real, that it’s fake news, or it’s a hoax. This is extraordinary. I’ve never seen this before,” he said. Dr. Fauci added that he will convey the following to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration: “We have all got to be on the same page telling the American public we have to pull together. That, to me, is the most important thing.”

Dr. Fauci and Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus-response coordinator, who also spoke Tuesday at the summit, both reiterated their calls for people to adopt public-health measures to combat the spread of the virus.

August 7, 2020

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said the virus infected people in the U.S. in mid-December 2019, a few weeks before it was officially identified in China and about a month earlier than public-health authorities found the first U.S. case. It has since caused almost 15 million diagnosed cases and more than 283,000 deaths. Cases have surged since the fall, with more than 2,000 daily deaths being reported. It is too early to know whether the Thanksgiving holiday will add an additional spurt of cases.

The death toll could surpass 430,000 by March 1, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Trump administration is aiming to have enough coronavirus vaccine for everyone in the U.S. who wants to take it by the second quarter of 2021.

“We have to go head-to-head with the misunderstandings people have with this virus,” said Dr. Birx, who added that she doesn’t know what role she will have in the president-elect’s administration but will remain in federal government.

Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was upbeat about the promise of a vaccine to bring coronavirus to heel.

June 17, 2020

Health-care workers and people in nursing homes and extended-care facilities will get the vaccine first, he said, followed by various prioritization levels that are likely to include seniors, people with underlying health conditions and workers with critical jobs, such as teachers.

Dr. Birx also said vaccines need to be prioritized for communities of color that have been hit hard by Covid-19.

Younger people and people with no underlying conditions will likely be able to get the vaccine by the end of March or beginning of April if the vaccination program runs efficiently and the majority of people take the vaccine, Dr. Fauci said. With about 75% of the public inoculated, there should be low levels of circulating virus and a return to workplaces.

The stringency of public-health measures will gradually diminish, he said, and chief executives should use surveillance testing once workers return to quickly identify any potential outbreaks.

“I don’t think we’re going to eradicate [Covid-19] the way we did with smallpox, but I think we can do what we did with polio,” Dr. Fauci said. (Wall Street Journal) 

 

Posted in: Canada, International, USA Tagged: 2020-42, anti-vax, boxing, Canada, conspiracy theory, Coronavirus, covid-19, cure, doctors, health, International, pandemic, Pandemic Times, Science, tin foil hat, USA, Vaccine

Tuesday January 28, 2020

February 4, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

January 28, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 28, 2020

Peter MacKay launches his campaign promising to unify and expand Conservative Party

Peter MacKay officially launched his leadership campaign on Saturday with a speech that emphasized his experience on the world stage, and promised to unify and expand the Conservative Party ahead of the next election.

Peter MacKay Cartoon Gallery

“Together we’ll expand outward that big blue tent, while strengthening its solid poles of conservative principle,” he said in a speech in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, the area which he represented in Parliament from 1997 to 2015.

“I stand here before you today with my heart on my sleeve for every Canadian, whoever you love, wherever you live,” he said.

The speech leaned heavily on MacKay’s experience in senior cabinet roles during Stephen Harper’s Conservative government, particularly his time as foreign affairs minister and defence minister. While pitching himself as a Prime Minister in waiting, he also took shots at Justin Trudeau.

He said Canada and the planet are facing “big challenges with big complicated questions,” but the current Liberal government is “shrugging and often doing more harm than good, virtue signalling without action.”

However, there were no specific policy proposals in the speech. Notably, the speech made no mention of climate change, instead discussing the general importance of protecting the environment.

“We’re stewards of the environment,” he said. “The greatest gift that we’ve received as Canadians, alongside our freedom and democracy, is our natural splendour of land and sea.”

May 2, 2019

MacKay is widely seen as the frontrunner in the Conservative leadership race, which will end June 27 in Toronto. His main competition, at least for the time being, is expected to be Ontario MP Erin O’Toole. O’Toole is launching is campaign Monday in Alberta.

Three high-profile potential contenders for the Conservative leadership race — Jean Charest, Rona Ambrose and Pierre Poilieve — all dropped out over the past week. However, candidates still have until Feb. 27 to enter the race, so others may come forward.

Other candidates who have declared their intention to run include Ontario MPs Marilyn Gladu and Derek Sloan, Alberta businessman Rick Peterson, and former Conservative staffer Richard Decarie. (National Post) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2020-03, Andrew Scheer, boxing, Canada, climate change, environment, Justin Trudeau, Peter MacKay, policy

Thursday December 12, 2019

December 19, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 12, 2019

Two Canadians held for a year by China remain ‘resilient’

Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, were both detained on 10 December 2018.

August 23, 2019

China has accused the pair of espionage.

The move by Beijing is widely viewed as “hostage diplomacy” – a tactic to put the pressure on Canada to release Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Beijing denies the men’s cases are related to Ms Meng’s arrest in Canada last year, but supporters say the two are being used as pawns in a larger political dispute.

December 12, 2018

The Canadian government says neither man has had access to a lawyer and have been denied contact with their families and loved ones.

“Our heart goes out to the two Canadians detained in China unjustly,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday.

“It’s difficult to even describe this cloud, or the weight that hangs over an organisation when your colleague, your friend has been in a Chinese prison for a year,” Brittany Brown, with the International Crisis Group, Mr Kovrig’s employer, told the BBC.

March 1, 2019

“Not a day goes by that someone in Crisis Group is doing something, engaging with someone, talking with someone, pushing certain points behind the scenes to try and support the Canadian [government] efforts,” she said.

Current and past presidents from the NGO published an open letter last week calling his detention “unjust and inhumane”.

Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to Beijing, said that during a recent consular visit, Mr Kovrig asked officials: “When are you going to get me out of this mess?”

“You need to have some hope,” says Mr Saint-Jacques, who once worked with the ex-diplomat. (BBC) 

 

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2019-44, boxer, boxing, Canada, China, detainees, diplomacy, heavyweight, Justin Trudeau, lightweight, Trade
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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